NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman began her four-day official visit to Bhutan to strengthen economic and developmental cooperation between India and its Himalayan neighbour. The visit, scheduled from October 30 to November 2, underscores India’s continued commitment to deepening bilateral ties built on mutual trust, friendship, and shared prosperity.

Sitharaman is leading a delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and will hold high-level discussions with Bhutanese leadership, including King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, and Finance Minister Lekey Dorji. The meetings will focus on enhancing economic, financial, and developmental cooperation between the two countries.

The Finance Minister’s visit includes tours of key India-supported projects that highlight the long-standing developmental partnership, such as the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant, the Gyalsung Academy, Punakha Dzong (Bhutan’s second-oldest and second-largest dzong), and the Sangchen Choekhor Monastery. Her official itinerary commenced with the tour of the monastery, which was established in 1765 and is home to over 100 monks pursuing advanced Buddhist studies.

During her engagements, the Finance Minister is scheduled to attend detailed presentations on key sectors, including Bhutan’s energy strategy by Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC), the country’s 21st Century Economic Roadmap, and the banking and financial sector by Druk PNB and the Bank of Bhutan. She will also be briefed on the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project, a flagship initiative for sustainable urban development.

Highlighting the growing digital and financial connectivity between India and Bhutan, Sitharaman is expected to visit the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market in Thimphu, where she will witness a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction – symbolizing India’s expanding digital payment footprint in the region.

Before concluding her visit, the Finance Minister will travel to Punakha Dzong, where she will also interact with Bhutanese farmers to gain insights into their agricultural practices, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.